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Land Rover Range Rover - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Land Rover Range Rover ranks 6 out of 9 Luxury Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 55 published reviews and test drives of the Land Rover Range Rover, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

If the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover is good enough for royalty, you may think it's good enough for you.  Long the preferred vehicle for when the Windsors head off-road, the Range Rover offers luxury, style and capability.  Keep in mind, however, that royals never have to take the car to the mechanic and the Rover's reliability history may make it a chore for commoners to own. 

Despite occasional hiccups, most reviewers say the Range Rover is one of the best luxury vehicles-SUV or car-on the road today.  Automobile Magazine even goes so far as to say, "Now this is what a luxury SUV should be." Not only does it ride and handle well on the city streets, it is class-leading in its off-road capabilities. It's also chock-full of luxury materials and handy features. 

The Range Rover comes in two trims. The HSE base model features a 305-horsepower V8 engine and the Supercharged model features a more powerful 400-hp V8. 

Conventional wisdom says that if you can afford a Range Rover, you can also probably afford to fill it up -- but buyers may want to note that the Range Rover's gas mileage is in the middle of the class, and the SUV requires premium fuel. Also, Ford recently sold the Land Rover brand to Tata, an Indian company.  While there have been no changes in the company yet, prospective buyers may want to make sure there are no planned changes to their local dealer before signing on the dotted line.

The Ranger Rover has few competitors for its particular brand of exclusivity and off-road ability. If you like to go off-road and look good doing it, check out the Mercedes Benz G Class or Lexus LX 570. If on-road driving is more important, check out the Range Rover Sport or the Cadillac Escalade.

• "Driving Range Rovers will forever mean driving the most capable off-road vehicles known to man. Add the leather, the gorgeous wood, the padded steering wheel, and the big price tag, and I will always say it's worth it. Because I know what it can really do." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Range Rover stands out among premium SUVs for its balance of on-road manners, off-road ability, and high-class accommodations. The Supercharged model adds more muscle--for a hefty price premium. There are less-expensive alternatives that offer similar performance and better fuel economy, but for Range Rover's well-heeled shoppers, little else will do." -- Consumer Guide
• "Even now, with vehicles in the category about as popular as mortgage-backed securities and McMansions, the legendary British marque is still equal parts regal and raffish, a combination that especially appeals to affluent soccer moms and weekend warriors. And, lest we forget, serious off-roaders." -- Inside Line

Range-Rover Performance - 9.0 (Excellent)

Driving the Range Rover is, according to the majority of test drivers, an unparalleled experience. Consumer Guide says, "Range Rover is a mountain goat off-road and car-like on the road."  continue

Range-Rover Exterior - 9.5 (Excellent)

Most reviewers love the Land Rover Range Rover's looks, but a few say that the slightly more aerodynamic Range Rover Sport is a better-looking SUV. continue

Range-Rover Interior - 8.7 (Very Good)

The interior of the Range Rover is comfortable and luxurious, with quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. Road and Track calls it an "exquisitely appointed interior, which has no rival in elegance."  continue

Range-Rover Safety - NA

The 2009 Land Rover Ranger Rover is equipped with a long list of expected safety features, including dual-stage frontal- and side-impact air bags, side-curtain air bags for all rows of seats, and even an air bag to protect the driver's knees. However, the Land Rover Range Rover has yet to be subject to government or insurance industry crash tests.  continue

Range-Rover Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Land Rover Range Rover reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Rover Range Rover comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.  continue